Bet you never thought your love of gardening and all things green and growing could add thousands of dollars to the value of your property, right? The fact is, beautiful well-maintained landscaping is a home improvement that adds both immediate and long-term value. That green thumb of yours can really pay off.

But you won’t get by with just plunking a few shrubs and flowers in the ground. Potential buyers like to see a well thought out design with some degree of style. The size and age of what you plant as well as how you mix it up with variations all make a difference.

You don’t have to be a landscape designer, but you do need to have a plan for your landscaping project. Plan to spend anywhere from $500 to a few thousand if you’re doing it yourself. If you’re planning to be in the house on a long-term basis you can do a little at a time. But if you’re planning to sell within six months or a year, there are some steps you can take to boost your landscape appeal right away.

Freshly cut edges around your plant beds with mulch adds a touch of professionalism to the landscape. Be vigilant with fertilizer treatments so your potential buyers will see a full, green lawn without patches of dry or yellow grass. Add some color with a few perennials and shrubs for an added eyeful of beauty.

At any point in your preparations, remember you can always call on the expert property management folks to look out for your investments or step in to help manage things if you’re away. You may even decide to rent and not sell, in which case Cousin James Management is standing by to do the hard work while you get on with more important things. Either way, we are only a phone call or email away. Meantime, good luck with your landscaping and take good care of that green thumb. It’s a valuable asset.